Submitted by erikniemann on
Erik uses flat metal construction tools to create dynamic yet elegant
contemporary abstract paintings. His paintings are textural and full of
vivid colors. When Erik paints, colors and patterns emerge and submerge
and remind some of abstract architectural landscapes. Erik explores spatial
depth with his paintings. His photographs compliment his paintings and explore depth, light and intimacy.
Erik is a self-taught artist and began painting professionally in January
2002. While in architecture school, Erik started using acrylic paint to cover
the chip-board he used to construct architectural models. He soon
discovered for himself the joy of putting paint on a flat surface ... and that
started Erik on the road to his new painting career. His architectural background is always there, guiding him through the creation of each painting.
Erik has participated in over two dozen solo art shows and over sixty group
art shows. Nearly two-thirds of his paintings are now collected throughout
ten US states as well as Australia, Mexico, Tunisia and Hong Kong. Between
September 2008 and May 2010 three of Erik’s paintings were on display inside the United States Embassy in Dili, East Timor through the Art in Embassies program of the US State Department.